Sasha Pelaez

I attribute my success to my ability to work with and develop teams. I focus on identifying people's strengths and weaknesses, then pairing them with others who can help them improve. I believe that just because you're not good at something doesn't mean you can't get better. I'm also very detail-oriented and take initiative in every role, looking at contracts, requirements, and quality of work even when it's not formally expected of me. I realized early on that you can't expect quality work from people if you don't train them properly, so I've always focused on developing standard operating procedures and really training my staff. I think in order for your team to want to stay with you as a leader, you've got to mold your team and build them up. I've also learned to communicate differently with different people because everybody receives information differently. Your tone and the way you talk can either engage people or shut them down. Throughout my career, I've been proud of the projects I've developed that have manifested into successful programs in the work environment, and I'm grateful when staff tell me that my standard operating procedures gave them clear understanding and expectations.

Never lose hope. Make sure to be your own self-motivator and stay determined. I think anybody is willing to do whatever they want in their life if they have discipline. It does take time, and there are moments where you have to sacrifice and make decisions that will benefit you in the long run. Make sure the family and friends you choose are supportive of your decisions. I'm very close with God and Jesus, and I always tell people to pray and seek guidance from God, because He will always guide you the right way. Even when things are chaotic, He has a way to calm that chaos and make you a better person. Never give up, and sometimes if it requires taking a risk, take it, because you never know what could happen. I know as women we get discouraged. I've gotten discouraged too when not getting a job or realizing I'm overqualified, but I've learned that God always has perfect timing. At those moments, He's saying hold up, I have a better door to open for you. It's about having that willingness and waiting for the right opportunity. Also, have grace on yourself. We are our own worst critics, but always give yourself grace to understand you're not perfect, you are human, and you will make mistakes. Those mistakes aren't failures, they're opportunities to learn and improve. It's a time for you to better yourself.